Epidemiology

Pathology

Primary IgA nephropathy is characterised by deposition of IgA antibodies in the glomeruli. The is thought to start with defective glycosylation of IgA subclass IgA1 that results in overproduction of galactose-deficient IgA1 (Gd-IgA1), occurrence of anti-Gd-IgA1 autoantibodies, and mesangial deposition of nephritogenic immune complexes. This may eventually lead to increased mesangial cell proliferation, inflammatory responses, and complement activation.

Associations

The most common associatation is a IgA vasculitis (which is often considered a broader systemic form of IgA nephropathy.